No, he's not. He played well for them, so they'd probably want to re-sign him, but if healthy they have Biedrins, Randolph, Wright, Turiaf and Radmanovic signed. Granted, Randolph and Radmanovic can both play the three as well, but still, that's already five bigs. Plus Nelson loves to play small ball and, at this writing, they're projected to have the 4th pick in the draft, which means they'd most likely end up with either Cousins or Favors.
I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if the Spurs offer slightly more money than the Warriors or maybe one-two guaranteed seasons, something to lure him back into the organization. Similar to what they did with Gee.
He did play well for them. Golden State was pretty compe ive with him in the lineup down the stretch so it'll be interesting to see what moves they do or don't make. I'm assuming now he's going to want to make sure he has a chance to see some minutes wherever he goes.
I'm sure he will be. But a player like that who's had to scratch and claw just to get into the league, if he can make slightly above the minimum and/or get a guaranteed year or two (and in this case, go to a class organization that he knows well), he'd probably take that over staying with a lesser team like the Warriors. Like I said, at this writing, they figure to be well stocked on the front line.
As for the Spurs, they'll probably only have four other bigs and while he'd be the fifth one, two of their bigs are old and as we know, ideally they'd like to get them as much rest as possible. So they'll be a number of games where Tolliver should get solid minutes, so long as the team doesn't have a ton of injuries and isn't fighting for their playoff lives.
Oh, and let's not forget about Gee-Unit. If he makes the team we can't have him feeling left out. Haisrton's got THC , Temples got The Temple of Garrett and Gee will have Gee-unit -- it's only fair.
It's an interesting quandry for a player no dought, especially in terms of the business side of the sport. Wonder if the Warriors think about shopping any of their bigs.
If he could consistently hit the outside jumper like they'd been anticipating back in '08-'09 when they brought him up, then I could finally see them passing on Bonner to bring him back.....beyond that I can see them bringing Matt back.
It's doubt; not dought. If the Warriors draft either Cousins or Favors, I wouldn't be surprised if they move Wright. There's no way that with Biedrins, Turiaf, Randolph and one of Cousins or Favors, they have minutes for him. Also, that organization seems desperate to make some sort of big move, both figuratively and literally. If they aren't in position to draft one of those two bigs, then I could see them swinging some big, elaborate trade for an established big. Maybe Jefferson, for example.
Bonner will not be back if Splitter is signed and McDyess is retained. No way the Spurs are paying relatively significant money for him to be their fifth big and no way he, in the prime of his career, takes a reduced role and reduced money. I expect the Spurs to go with a younger player for at or near the minimum to fill the fifth big spot. With their obsession with having a stretch four and their familiarity with Tolliver, he just might be the guy. He's not a great or even a good shooter, but he can make shots and let's face it, the type of player I described, there's not a ton of them that are fifth bigs and minimum or near minimum type salary players.
Will be interesting to see. I wouldn't mind having a young player to add to the bigs, but that might be one too many with the only vets on the team being Tim and Dice. I think Bonner has shown enough in the regular season to make the FO consider bringing him back for the bare minimum, but I wouldn't count Tolliver out of the fold. He's proven he can slash as well.
Funny, while the rest of the world is waiting on LeBron's decision, we (as Spur fans) are all waiting to see what Splitter is going to do....outside of how he works out, so much hinges on his decision this offseason.
1- Hairston, Gee and Temple have about a 90 percent chance on being on the roster for next year. The only one they see having an outside chance on sticking is Jerrels, although they still like the way he progressed from the beginning of training camp throughout the D-League season.
2- Pop and R.C aren't infatuated with attaining a big that can shoot the three if Bonner is gone. Just because they've had one doesn't necessarily mean they'll dig to the bottom of the barrel to add one.( Tolliver/Cook).
3-Mahimni has a better chance being a Spur than you obviously think. You think Mahinmi will get offered a situation that gives him more opportunity. I agree to that to an extent. Although, I don't think there's a team out there that will offer him a starting job. Having said that now lets look at how many minutes most bench bigs play.( 12-20 minutes a night). Ok settled.
So if the organization that drafted him and groomed him with their very own personnel for 5 years offers him the same amount of money you don't think Mahinmi would resign? This is after R.C and the Spurs brass lays out the blueprint, which demonstrates to Yan how the opportunities will be there this year and especially next year when Dyess retires and even more so the following when Tim retires.
I'm telling you playing a guaranteed 15 minutes a night in a losing situation for the first year isn't going to completely sell Mahinmi over on a proposed 3-4 year deal worth the same money. Sorry it's not. R.C and the Spurs will make Ian more aware of the opportunity that will be present not only this season but the following seasons just incase TD 21's scenario plays and Duncan and McDyess play 35 minutes a night in order for Spurs staying afloat.
From feedback I've received I'd say 80% chance Mahinmi is brought back. He grew on Pop and R.C as the season went on, after they decided against his option. It was hard to gauge Mahimni being that his rookie season, Spurs were defending their le and were loaded in the front-court with Oberto/Elson(Kurt Thomas)/ Horry/Duncan and Bonner. And the following year he was hurt for the whole season. So for you to say he's had plenty of opportunity to break the rotation the past 3 years is silly.
This past season was essentially Mahinmi's rookie year and as weird as it may sound (with subtle clues i've recieved) Spurs wanted to keep his value as low as possible going into the summer. This can be a reason why he wasn't given more opportunities even though he was very productive in the minutes he recieved. The thing I do know for a fact is Pop and R.C are very high on him and want him to be a part of the Spurs organization for the long haul.
All in all Spurs want Mahinmi and Mahinmi's first option is to remain in San Antonio.(from a reliable source; not my opinion)
The only way I can see Mahinmi signing elsewhere is if its for more money than the Spurs are able to pony up.
Last edited by MaNu4Tres; 05-17-2010 at 07:28 AM.
Maybe a corey maggette type package. after all we did want him a couple years back.. not sure how he would be any different than RJ though.
I agree with Bonner. I don't see him coming back if Splitter comes over. Tolliver played nice in Golden State, I doubt they let him just walk.
If THG is shortened by one letter, which one will be cut? All I can say is I believe Temple won't have to worry... unless Nando comes this summer, and/or the Spurs get a long SF in the draft. After being a Spurs fans since 05-06, the thought of so many young and exciting players on the team gives me a.
And wtf is with this smiley???
As a Ian supporter, I'm extremely pleased to read this. As I've said all along, with the age in their frontline, the Spurs would be absolutely foolish to jettison a young, athletic, 23 year-old, center, with his skills, that has been immersed in their program for the past few years. Allowing this kid to walk would further create a even bigger potential hole on the frontline, whether Splitter arrives next season or not.
Having seen glimpses and flashes of Ian's talent this past season, there is just as much reason to envision him as part of the Spurs long-term future as Tiago Splitter. Frankly, I cannot see why the club or anyone else wouldn't be high on him. IMO, Ian did more in less time than Bonner did the entire season!
The thing I like most about him is that it appears that he has evolved into a low-post big, that sets up on the block, with his back to the basket and operates from there. I know he didn't have those instincts when they drafted him, but he seems to now. Other than Duncan, there isn't another player on the roster that can do that consistently. Blair tries, but he is simply too short to operate from the low-post against all teams.
I also like the notion of having him and Blair in the game at the same time, thereby spelling Duncan and Dice. They seem to have learned to play very well off one another. Furthermore, Ian provides much-needed size, length and athleticism to a frontline that has so little of each.
Finally, for those that have been clamoring for the Spurs to get rid of Ian, remember the Fakers, Jazz, Nuggets, Blazers and Mavs all have size on their frontline. They aren't likely to go away anytime soon. If the Spurs plan on remaining in contention in the compe ive Western Conference, it is imperative that they have the roster versatility needed to match that level of frontline size and skill. Small-ball doesn't work against every opponent and Duncan desparately needs all the help that he can get. A possible future frontline of Duncan, Dice, Splitter, Blair and Ian would be ideal and one of the best in the conference.
There is absolutely no reason to allow another team to reap the benefits of the Spurs investment. Ian should be able to realize the full potential of his talent in a Spurs uniform. I, for one, hope it comes to fruition this summer, by way of a new contract for him.
Which Cook are you referring to?
What makes peole think we'd spend the better part of our MLE on somebody that was just as good as Mahinmi?
Are you talking about Gee? Spurs have an option that can be picked up on Gee so that wouldn't be applied against the MLE.
.
Last edited by admiralsnackbar; 05-17-2010 at 11:34 AM. Reason: Drunken pissy-ness
Every year people want Pop to develop youth and he's yet to fully go this route. I'd like to see it this year for various reasons but I'll believe it when I see it. Pop is going to have to play some youth to save the Big 3 for the playoffs...but because we aren't as good a team anymore Pop ends up overplaying the vets to stay compe ve. I expect the same pattern to continue this year. However there will be mire youth this year even if it's just to save money. And if there are less vets this could force Pops hand.
I think everyone wants/assumes Bogans will disappear this year but I thought he was still under contract. I'd rather buy out Bogans so new guys can play then trade RJ and end up with veteran stiffs that fill roster spaces.
Pop can look toward the "Valley of the Sun" to see how masterfully Gentry developed and "extended" his bench. Gentry commanded their defensive mindset adn turned them loose. Now that results of that decision is payinig "HUGE" dividends.
Hairston or Gee will be with the team, not both. The poor playoff shooting will make Hairston (poor shooter) a player we cannot afford, unless he can significantly improve his perimeter offense. Having said that, a few missed defensive assignments would make Gee the first cut of the regular season.
Mahinmi will not trust Pop to give him minutes. I just can't see Ian trusting Pop for minutes after this last season. Ian will most likely land to OKC.
The only player from the list that will start the season and have a chance to finish the season is Temple. His length, shot selection, defense, and disire to play within himself make him a Pop type player.
That is your opinion.
Well see who's opinion becomes valid in time.
I never agree with any of your takes and this just keeps that consistency going. So we are on the same page with that.
Just know Spurs only have 7 guaranteed salaries going into next year.
It will be 9 if Splitter is signed as well as the 20th pick.
Spurs won't have a lot of room to make additions to the 10th-13/15th spots on the roster...Remember that.
Amazing how 'Tres always manages to find common ground.
It's clear the Spurs want to continue to get younger, so having two veteran bigs is enough at this point. Bonner is gone unless Splitter doesn't sign, or, if he did sign, McDyess were traded. Short of that, they're not paying Bonner around what he's currently making to be the fifth big. The payroll is already bloated. He's in the prime of his career, so I doubt he'd accept a reduced role/significantly reduced salary. I expect the fifth big to make at or near the minimum.
Agreed.
1. Again, tell me something I don't know. I know those guys will probably all make the team, but as far as being in the rotation and playing at least semi-consistently, Hairston is probably the only one with a realistic chance.
2. Are you sure they're not infatuated with stretch four's? Because their history suggests they are and Buford talked about this team's shooting slipping from their championship years. Bonner is their best three-point shooter and I have a hard time seeing them allowing him to leave without finding some type of replacement.
3. Based on what? You seem to be offering your opinion off as fact, as if it has any more validity than mine. Mahinmi definitely won't get a starting job, but there's plenty of teams where he could potentially crack their rotation, which if Splitter is signed isn't happening with the Spurs. Nothing is settled, once again passing your opinion off as fact.
You're thinking from your perspective, because you want him to stay. I presume from his perspective, he wants to play and establish himself in the league at this point; not wait another year or two to do so. When McDyess goes, I expect his spot to be filled with a shooter -- at least one capable of making mid range jumpers.
There's no way you'd know that for fact. 3-4 years? No chance the Spurs give him that type of guarantee. I don't doubt that they probably want to retain him, but I also don't think they're nearly as infatuated with him as you are. That's not my scenario, but it's possible, because that's how last season played out. 35 mpg for Duncan and McDyess? Never said that, what I said was they may not be able to take games off if the Spurs are fighting for their playoff lives.
What feedback have you received? You just flat out make things up. I never said he had plenty of opportunity to play, but if they liked him that much he should have played. It's not like the Spurs were loaded in the front court this past season, yet he still couldn't get on the court. They opted to go down to 3 bigs (while managing 2 of their minutes) with Bonner out, rather than to play Mahinmi, despite the fact that he was in his walk year and they supposedly wanted to get a look at him the season before. That was telling. The Spurs desperately needed a big with his physical tools, yet he didn't even get a look outside of playing against a few bottom feeders/garbage time.
I don't buy that reasoning. They were trying to win as many games as possible, lessen the load on Duncan (presumably) and win a championship. If they thought he could help in any of those areas, he'd have played more, even if it meant that they had to pay him more this summer. It's not like he was ever going to break the bank anyway. By the way, I'm not saying I agree with them that he couldn't have helped. I was like most fans and wanted to see him get a chance, but he didn't and that was telling.
I don't doubt that the Spurs want to re-sign him and that it's his first option...just like it would be Mason's (his words) if the opportunity were going to be there. It isn't going to be in the case of either. I hope I'm wrong about this, like I've said a million times to you, I want to see him re-signed, I just don't see it happening.
When I say big trade, I don't see it occurring with the Spurs.
Like I said, the Warriors probably want to re-sign him, but they figure to be fairly well stocked in the front court. If the Spurs offer him slightly more money or guarantee him for a season or two, I could see him signing.
Daequan. Eminently available, because the Heat are desperate to clear as much cap space as possible and he fell out of favor last season. $2.16 guaranteed for next season, then a team option for over $3 million the following season. Young, athletic, affordable and shot it well from three two seasons ago. I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs took a flier on him to see if he could fill the wing (though he's really strictly a two) shooter off the bench role.
Let's just see how things play out.
Last edited by MaNu4Tres; 05-17-2010 at 06:47 PM.
Tres,
It sounds like you're saying you have sources in the organization. So what have you heard about Parker and the trade rumors?
As for Ian, I cynically thought he wasn't resigned so they could lower his value. If that's true, it's "savvy" on one hand but just stupid in another way. We're trying to win a championship, not establish our frontcourt for the apocalyptic post TD era.
It sure does sound like Tres has some sources inside the org. I certainly wont ask him to give those up. I'll just accept the notion that perhaps there is a good chance that Ian will be resigned. It simply makes no sense not to. There is certainly a place for him here. Hopefully, the FO is as optimistic about him as some of us.
Bonner. on the other hand, has worn out his welcome and hopefully they will let him walk.
Nothing is ever guaranteed in the business of sports, no matter the intentions on both sides. Opportunities can arise that weren't there before, whether if its a trade proposal or a draft pick falling significantly. But a family friend of ours is as you would say sorta tied in the organization.
Although, about a month ago when I was visiting family in SA( I reside in Houston), I had a conversation with him about Mahinmi ( I'm lucky if I get to talk to him once every 2 months). I was just curious what they thought about Yan, since he performed every time he played. And that's when he told me some of the things I've shared above. Now he didn't get into detail about all the things I've shared above, but with what he said it was relatively easy enough for me to dissect into the information I've shared. With what he said, I'm pretty confident Mahinmi will be retained for the future to grow with the young guys Blair, Hairston, Hill, Gee, Temple for next year and the following years.
Only time will really tell, but obviously I'm more confident than a lot on this board about Mahinmi being resigned.
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